Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge is pleased to announce it has earned the Mission: Lifeline Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge is pleased to announce it has earned the Mission: Lifeline Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
The award recognizes Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge for achieving specifically defined criteria and performance standards for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) patients by providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed.
STEMI is a deadly type of heart attack that is caused by a prolonged blockage of blood supply in the heart
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment.
Gary Malaer
“We’re pleased to be recognized by the well-respected American Heart Association for our commitment and achievements in the cardiac care we’re delivering to save and improve countless lives,” said Gary Malaer, interim Chief Executive Officer, Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge.
“This is an outstanding recognition. We’ll continue building upon this success in providing high-quality treatment and care to our patients throughout the community.”
Approximately 250,000 people each year in the United States have a STEMI caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.
STEMI symptoms often come on gradually and can include intense chest pain, heartburn, palpitations, nausea and shortness of breath. High-risk groups include people with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and genetic predisposition.
“We commend Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge for this achievement award, which reflects a significant institutional commitment to the highest quality of care for their heart attack patients,” said James G. Jollis, MD, Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group and President of the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
“Achieving this award means the hospital has met specific reporting and achievement measures for the treatment of their patients who suffer heart attacks and we applaud them for their commitment to quality and timely care.”
